Capsicum parvifolium
Capsicum parvifolium Sendtn.
Capsicum parvifolium is a species of the Solanaceae family, native to the Caatinga region of Brazil and extending into northern Venezuela and Colombia. It is an erect shrub with a fastigiate habit, reaching 1–4 (–5) m in height. The species is distinguished by five calyx appendages, few-flowered inflorescences, greenish-golden yellow fruits, and brownish-black seeds. It is closely related to C. caatingae but differs in several morphological features. Specimens from Venezuela have been mistaken for C. rhomboideum but can be differentiated by corolla shape and fruit color.
Description
Capsicum parvifolium is characterized by its erect, much-branched shrub form with young stems that are angled, slender, and greyish-brown, bearing antrorse, simple trichomes. Leaves are membranous, with unequal pairs, ovate blades, and short-attenuate bases. The inflorescences are axillary, with 3–6 (–8) flowers, and the pedicels are pendent, green, and densely pubescent. Buds are subglobose, with a pale violet apex and cream base. The species is part of the Caatinga clade and is one of the few Capsicum species adapted to the arid Caatinga biome. It is distinguishable from C. caatingae by the presence of five calyx appendages and greenish-golden yellow fruits. The lectotype is housed at G-DC.
Distribution
BR · Atlántico, Magdalena
Synonyms
Bassovia ciliataCapsicum leptocladumCapsicum parvifolium var. parvifoliumFregirardia leptoclada